Rose: 'Put This Game On Me'
CHICAGO (CBS) Derrick Rose played 44 minutes in the Chicago Bulls' 100-88 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night. He led all scorers with 34 points, added 10 assists and was 9-for-11 from the free throw line.
But despite those stats, the humble and self-critical Rose wants the blame for the loss placed on his shoulders.
"It was a tough game, but there's no excuses," he said. "Put this game on me, two turnovers at the end."
Those turnovers that Rose mention happened within 35 seconds of each other, when the Bulls were still within striking distance of the Hawks.
The series now shifts back to Chicago for Game 5, and if Rose feels he's to blame for the Game 4 loss, and then it's likely he'll want to avenge that loss. And that could spell trouble for the Hawks.
Back in December, the Bulls lost to the Los Angeles Clippers with Rose on the free throw line with a chance to tie the game. Six weeks later, when the two teams squared off again, Rose had revenge on his mind. He scored 32 points as the Bulls beat the Clippers 106-88.
Rose will get his shot at redemption on Tuesday night. Both he and the Bulls are very aware of what will happen if they're unable to bounce back from an ugly loss.
"It's a series," Rose said. "First to four, and we know that."
